IF I HAD TO START A HOMESTEAD FROM SCRATCH HERE’S WHAT I’D FOCUS ON

Summary

The video script emphasizes starting a homestead by focusing on establishing animal systems for meat production, particularly ruminants like sheep and cows, which efficiently convert grass to meat with minimal grain input. It also recommends planting perennial fruit trees and shrubs for year-round fruit availability. While vegetable gardens are mentioned, the priority is on ruminants and fruit for food security and sustainability.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Start with establishing animal systems for meat production.
• 🐑 Focus on ruminants like sheep and cows for efficient grass-to-meat conversion.
• 🌾 Avoid high grain-input animals like chickens and pigs initially.
• 🥩 Prioritize ruminants for sustainable meat production without reliance on grain.
• 🌱 Implement rotational grazing systems to build up pastures for food security.
• 🔪 Sheep are easier to harvest and butcher compared to cows.
• 🌳 Plant perennial fruit trees and shrubs for a long-term food source.
• 🍇 Choose fruit shrubs that begin to fruit within the first one to three years.
• 🍎 Diversify fruit types to ensure year-round fruit availability.
• 🥬 After securing meat and fruit, focus on planting a vegetable garden, especially storage crops.

Q & A

What is the recommended starting point for establishing a homestead?

The recommended starting point for a homestead is to establish animal systems that produce meat, specifically focusing on ruminants like sheep and cows, which efficiently convert grass into meat with little to no grain input.

Why are ruminants like sheep and cows preferred over meat chickens or pigs for a homestead?

Ruminants are preferred because they efficiently convert grass and forage into meat, requiring little to no grain input, making them more sustainable and less dependent on external grain supplies.

What are the challenges associated with raising pigs and chickens on a homestead?

Raising pigs and chickens requires a significant amount of grain inputs, which can be costly and resource-intensive. Additionally, they may not be as sustainable if grain supplies are disrupted.

How can a homestead convert grass into meat efficiently?

A homestead can efficiently convert grass into meat by implementing a rotational grazing system for ruminants, which allows the animals to graze on different areas of the pasture in a controlled manner, promoting healthy grass growth and efficient meat production.

What are the benefits of having a rotational grazing system for ruminants?

A rotational grazing system helps in maintaining the health of the pasture, reduces the need for supplemental feed, and allows the ruminants to graze on fresh grass, which in turn produces nutrient-rich meat.

Why are sheep considered easier to harvest and butcher compared to cows on a homestead?

Sheep are smaller in size compared to cows, making them easier to handle and process. Butchering a sheep is akin to butchering a deer and requires less space and effort than butchering a cow.

What is the second focus area recommended for a homestead after establishing animal systems?

The second focus area is planting perennial fruit trees and shrubs, which can provide a source of fruit within the first one to three years and offer year-round fruit if a diversity of varieties is planted.

Which fruit shrubs are recommended for a homestead to start with?

Recommended fruit shrubs include blackberries, figs, currants, and gooseberries, as they can begin to fruit within the first one to three years and contribute to a year-round supply of fruit.

How can fruit trees and shrubs contribute to food security on a homestead?

Fruit trees and shrubs provide a perennial source of food that can be harvested year after year. They also offer the benefit of storing well, ensuring a supply of fruit throughout the winter months.

What is the role of vegetable gardens in a homestead according to the script?

While vegetable gardens are beneficial, they are considered secondary to meat and fruit production. The script suggests focusing on meat and fruit first because they are more critical for long-term sustenance.

Why is it suggested to focus on storage crops in a vegetable garden?

Focusing on storage crops in a vegetable garden is practical because these crops can be preserved for long periods, ensuring a continuous supply of vegetables even after the growing season ends.

What is the importance of food diversity in a homestead according to the script?

Food diversity is important for a homestead as it ensures a balanced diet and reduces the risk of crop failure. It also helps in spreading out the harvest times, providing a steady supply of food throughout the year.